Folding fitting for pivoting connection of two slatted frame halves

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a folding fitting for pivotably connecting two slatted frame halves. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] CH 708 286 B1 and EP 2 389 842 B1 each disclose a folding fitting for the pivotable connection of two slatted frame halves, with two elongated side fittings, each of which is hingedly coupled at one end to an elongated flat central fitting, wherein the side fittings each have a transverse wing in the region of their ends coupled to the central fitting, which transverse wing projects from the plane of the side fittings into the plane of the central fitting, wherein the folding fitting has means for limiting the pivoting movement when the extended position is reached and means for holding the side fittings in the extended position.

[0003] In the aforementioned CH 708 286 B1, the means for limiting the pivoting movement are provided in that the cross wings are ends of the side fittings bent at a right angle, forming stops which rest against each other in the open position and thereby primarily limit the pivoting movement. The means for holding the side fittings in the extended position are locking means, namely knobs in the side fittings formed by material pronounced features, which can click into complementary openings or recesses in the central fitting. The locking connection is closed by forcefully pivoting the side fittings or the furniture parts connected to them together until the knobs click into place, and this force is also required to release the locking connection. It is also proposed, without going into further detail, to secure the folding fitting, for example, by a locking tab and / or a movable and, if necessary,spring-loaded component, which snaps into a designated opening, to be able to bring it into the closed position.

[0004] In the aforementioned EP 2 389 842 B1, the means for limiting the pivoting movement are provided by cross-wings at the ends of the side fittings, which form stops. However, in this case, they are not supported against each other, but against the side fittings, thereby limiting the pivoting movement. The means for holding the side fittings in the extended position are locking pins or screws that pass through holes in the side fittings and the center fitting that are aligned with each other when extended. Further relevant prior art documents that contribute to the understanding of the invention are cited below: US1644440A and BE525536A. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention is based on the object of providing a folding fitting for the pivoting connection of two slatted frame halves, which is both easy to fold in and out and is well secured in the extended position.

[0006] The object is achieved according to the invention with a device having the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0007] The folding fitting according to the invention for pivotably connecting two slatted frame halves has two elongated side fittings, each of which is hingedly coupled at one end to an elongated, flat central fitting. In the region of their ends coupled to the central fitting, the side fittings each have a transverse wing that projects from the plane of the side fittings into the plane of the central fitting. The folding fitting has means for limiting the pivoting movement upon reaching the extended position. The means for limiting the pivoting movement upon reaching the extended position comprise at least one stop element on at least one side fitting or on the central fitting and at least one stop surface designed to match the stop element(s) on the central fitting or on at least one side fitting.This creates a very stable deflected folding fitting that can absorb even greater forces without damage and prevents the folding fitting from overextending.

[0008] The means for limiting the pivoting movement upon reaching the extended position additionally comprise, as a stop element, at least one stop pin on one or both side fittings and at least one stop surface on the center fitting that matches the stop pin(s), or at least one stop pin on the center fitting and at least one stop surface on one or both side fittings that matches the stop pin(s). This creates a folding fitting that can absorb even greater forces without damage in the extended position and prevents the folding fitting from overextending.

[0009] The at least one stop surface of the means for limiting the pivoting movement upon reaching the extended position is preferably formed on a bulge arranged on a side fitting or on the center fitting. In the unfolded state and thus in the extended position, this bulge at least partially, in particular completely, accommodates the stop pin associated with the stop surface. This creates a space-saving folding fitting. This folding fitting also proves to be particularly stable and easy to handle, as it is very compact and offers little opportunity for its components to accidentally get caught, particularly in the unfolded state and thus in the extended position.

[0010] Particularly preferably, the means for limiting the pivoting movement upon reaching the extended position comprise or consist of a stop pin on each of the side fittings and two stop surfaces on the center fitting designed to match the stop pins. Thus, a very stable deflected folding fitting is created that can efficiently absorb even larger forces without damage. In the aforementioned manner, the stop point can be located further away from the pivot point than when the cross wings serve as stops, as is known. This reduces the risk of the folding fitting being overextended and also allows the stop position to be defined more precisely and to absorb even larger forces.

[0011] This creates a very stable, deflected hinged fitting that can absorb even greater forces without damage and prevents the hinged fitting from overextending. In this way, the stop point can be located farther away from the pivot point than when the cross panels serve as stops, as is common practice. This reduces the risk of the hinged fitting being overextended and also allows for the stop position to be defined more precisely, allowing for greater forces to be absorbed.

[0012] According to a preferred development of the invention, in addition to the means for limiting the pivoting movement upon reaching the extended position, the folding fitting also has means for holding the side fittings in an extended position. This redundant design of the means achieves particular security against overextension, because the means for holding the side fittings in the extended position also contain means for limiting mobility beyond the extended position. It should be noted that simple locking means do not guarantee this function of limiting or holding the side fittings in the extended position, but at best provide a limited level of security against unwanted movements.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for holding the side fittings in the extended position comprise at least one locking element that is resiliently deflectable transversely to the plane of the central fitting and is configured to be deflected by the transverse wings as the extended position is approached and to engage behind the transverse wings in a resilient manner upon reaching the extended position. This makes it possible to achieve not only stability but also easy folding and locking.

[0014] Furthermore, the easy folding capability of the invention is achieved by providing the folding fitting with a handle, accessible at least in the extended position, for manual unlocking by deflecting the locking element. After manual unlocking, the side fittings can be moved freely.

[0015] In preferred embodiments, the side fittings can be pivoted relative to the center fitting in a plane parallel to the plane of the center fitting into an extended position, in which they and the center fitting extend along a common straight line. In this form, the invention is also particularly suitable as a folding connection between slatted frame halves. However, the invention is also suitable for folding fittings whose parts assume other relative positions when extended. It is also possible to arrange the side fittings in different planes that run parallel to the plane of the center fitting.

[0016] In preferred embodiments, the locking element is arranged in a fixed position relative to the central fitting and / or contains a handle which is accessible at least in the extended position for the targeted release of the locking element and thus for the release of the locked folding fitting.

[0017] It has proven particularly effective to design the handle in such a way that it simultaneously forms a contact surface for the cross panels, or vice versa, for deflection. This enables very safe and comfortable handling of the folding fitting.

[0018] In preferred embodiments, the locking element extends in its course away from the center fitting, first in the plane of the center fitting and then at an oblique angle thereto.

[0019] A spring plate has proven particularly effective as a locking element. The spring plate has a slotted hole designed to enclose the two cross panels in the extended position when the spring plate springs back. This creates a simple, secure, and releasable locking mechanism for the folding fitting.

[0020] The spring plate is advantageously a separate component that is attached to the center fitting and / or between the center fitting and at least one of the side fittings, but can also be formed onto the center fitting.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the invention can also provide for the cross panels to bear against each other and / or against the side fittings when unfolded, thus likewise limiting the pivoting movement. The means for limiting the pivoting movement when the extended position is reached are formed by the cross panels abutting against one another and / or by the cross panels engaging behind the locking element. However, neither of these is necessary. For example, there may be a gap between the two cross panels when unfolded. This eliminates the need to bend the cross panels as precisely as is the case when they have to define the stop position. This creates a very stable, deflected folding fitting that can absorb even greater forces without damage.

[0022] The elasticity of the locking element is achieved, in addition to constructing the locking element from an elastic material, preferably by providing an elastic section therein, which allows for resilient deflection transversely to the plane of the center fitting. In addition to a number of particularly elastic sections, those that are at least partially formed as an elastic loop have proven particularly effective. This makes handling the folding fitting particularly comfortable.

[0023] The invention is explained below using preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. The invention is not limited to these preferred embodiments. Fig. 1 shows a folding fitting for the pivoting connection of two slatted frame halves in a first embodiment in front and side views, Fig. 2 shows the folding fitting of Fig. 1in perspective and rear views, Fig. 3 shows a folding fitting for the pivoting connection of two slatted frame halves in a second embodiment in front and side views and Fig. 4 shows the folding fitting of Fig. 3 in perspective and rear views.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a front view above and directly below a side view from the left of a folding fitting 1 for the pivoting connection of two slatted frame halves in a fully unfolded state, i.e. in a stretched position, and below shows Fig. 1 on the left a front view and on the right a side view of the folding fitting 1 in a folded state.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows perspective views of the folding fitting 1 above in a fully unfolded state, directly below in a fully folded state and below in a reduced size in corresponding rear views.

[0026] With reference to Figures 1 and2 The folding fitting 1 contains a center fitting 2 in the form of an elongated, flat piece of sheet metal. At both ends, the center fitting 2 is hinged to one end of each side fitting 3, 4 in the form of an elongated and—except for the cross wings 6, 7—flat piece of sheet metal. The coupling is achieved here by hinge pins 8, 9, which pass through holes in the fitting ends to form pivot joints and thereby define the rotation axis of the side fittings 3, 4 around the hinge pins 8, 9.

[0027] The side fittings 3, 4 can be pivoted relative to the center fitting 2—either tightly fitting or with a spacer element between them—in a plane parallel to the plane of the center fitting 2 into the extended position, in which they and the center fitting 2 extend parallel to a common straight line. From the extended position, the side fittings 3, 4 can be pivoted into a position in which they run essentially parallel.

[0028] The cross wings 6, 7 are ends of the side fittings 3, 4 bent at right angles, which protrude from their plane into the plane of the central fitting 2.

[0029] In this exemplary embodiment, a locking element 10 is formed by a piece of spring sheet metal that is bent several times and partially formed into a loop 11, with which it passes through a matching hole in the center fitting 2 and is held in place by its lower end (shown in the figures) between the center fitting 2 and the side fittings 3, 4. The loop 11, on the one hand, holds the locking element 10 in the center fitting 2 while the folding fitting 1 is being assembled; on the other hand, it contributes to the elasticity of the locking element 10 and allows for the setting of a precisely definable and consistent actuating force.

[0030] From the center fitting 2, the locking element 10 extends vertically upwards and has an end 12 angled by approximately 60°. Directly below the corresponding bend, the locking element 10 contains a rectangular slot 13 into which both cross wings 6, 7 just fit in.

[0031] The side fittings 3, 4 are perforated several times along their length so that they can be screwed to each half of the slatted frame in the usual way.

[0032] When the two halves of the slatted frame are folded together, the cross wings 6, 7 against the angled end 12 of the locking element 10, gently push it to the side, and lock firmly into the elongated hole 13 as soon as the extended position is reached, in which the folding fitting 1 and the slatted frame halves are thus locked. Thus, the cross wings 6, 7, together with the locking element 10, form means for holding the side fittings in the extended position, but also, due to the defined and firm holding of the extended position, form means for limiting the pivoting movement upon reaching the extended position.

[0033] The locking element 10 is deflected by the transverse wings 6, 7 when approaching the extended position and engages behind the transverse wings 6, 7 when reaching the extended position, wherein the angled end 12 of the locking element 10 forms a deflection contact surface for the transverse wings 6, 7.

[0034] To unlock, the locking element 10 can be pushed outward at its angled end 12, which acts as a handle 12, and the slatted frame halves can be folded together. If it is not possible to unlock both folding fittings 1 between the slatted frame halves simultaneously, the flexibility of slatted frames also allows for the folding fittings 1 to be unlocked one after the other, provided the slatted frame is appropriately supported.

[0035] Since the locking element 10 may not be made stable enough to withstand the forces that occur when handling the unfolded slatted frame, a stop pin 14, 15 is attached to each of the side fittings 3, 4. In the extended position, these stop pins engage matching stop surfaces 16, 17 on the center fitting 2 to reliably limit the pivoting movement. The stop surfaces 16, 17 on the center fitting 2 are arranged in two recesses 18, 19, which, in the unfolded state and thus in the extended position, largely accommodate the stop pins 14, 15, thus enabling a very compact design of the folding fitting 1.

[0036] The contours of the bulges 18, 19 correspond to the outer contour of the associated stop bolts 14, 15. This makes it possible for the round stop bolt 14, 15 to be efficiently received in its cross section and thus in its contour at least partially by the corresponding round bulge 18, 19 and to be enclosed and guided by it, which proves to be particularly advantageous with regard to the stability of the folding fitting 1, especially against twisting.

[0037] The two protrusions 18, 19 have an S-shaped contour with a concave section and a convex section. In the extended configuration, the stop pin is at least partially accommodated in the concave section of the protrusion, which is supported by the convex section as it slides into the concave section, as no area of ​​the protrusions 18, 19 exhibits steps or edges where a stop pin 14, 15 or the user could become caught. This makes it possible to achieve simple, safe, and user-friendly handling of the folding fitting 1.

[0038] Preferably, the contour of the convex sections of the bulges 18, 19 is designed such that their distance from the axis of rotation, which is defined by the hinge pins 8, 9, is selected to be smaller than the distance of the axis of rotation from the respective stop pin 14, 15. It has proven advantageous to select a distance approximately 10% smaller, because this, on the one hand, achieves a stable structure of the center fitting 2 or the side fittings 3, 4 and, on the other hand, ensures uniform and reliable mobility of the side fittings 3, 4 relative to the center fitting 2 with the associated stop pins 14, 15 and the corresponding stop surfaces 16, 17 in the specific S-shaped bulge 18, 19 with the described distances and the S-shaped contour.

[0039] By accommodating the stop bolts 14, 15 in the recesses 18, 19, the risk of, for example, the bed linen or the user getting caught on the folding fitting 1 in the unfolded state and thus in the stretched position can be reduced.

[0040] In the unfolded state, the transverse wings 6, 7 can also strike each other and / or the central fitting 2 in a manner known per se in order to limit the pivoting movement even more reliably.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows above a front view and directly below a side view from the left of another folding fitting 1' for the pivoting connection of two slatted frame halves in a fully unfolded state, i.e. in a stretched position, and below shows Fig. 3 on the left a rear view and on the right a side view of the folding fitting 1' in a folded state.

[0042] Fig. 4shows perspective views of the folding fitting 1' above in a fully unfolded state, directly below in a fully folded state and below in reduced size in corresponding rear views.

[0043] In the Figures 3 and 4 The folding fitting 1' shown, whose operation of the folding fitting 1' is similar to that of the folding fitting 1, are the same parts as those of the Figures 1 and 2 are provided with the same reference symbols and are not explained again here, and functionally corresponding parts are provided with corresponding reference symbols with a comma.

[0044] The Figures 3 and 4 The folding fitting 1' shown differs from that of the Figures 1 and 2essentially only in that a locking element 10' is formed by a somewhat simpler shaped piece of spring sheet, which also has a less strongly angled end 12', for example by 30°, and which is straight below the bend and is held there between the central fitting 2 and the side fittings 3, 4. 1, 1'Folding fitting 2Centre fitting 3, 4Side fitting 6, 7Cross sash 8, 9Pivot pin 10, 10'Locking element 11Loop 12, 12'Handle, angled end 13Elongated hole 14, 15Stop pin 16, 17Stop surfaces 18, 19Bump

Claims

1. Hinged fitting (1, 1') for pivotably connecting two slatted frame halves, comprising two elongate side fittings (3, 4), each of which is coupled at one end to an elongate flat central fitting (2) in an articulated manner, wherein the hinged fitting (1, 1') comprises means for limiting the pivoting movement when the extended position (3, 4) is reached, wherein the means for limiting the pivoting movement when the extended position is reached have, on each of the side fittings (3, 4), in the region of their ends coupled to the central fitting (2), a transverse wing (6, 7) which projects from the plane of the side fittings (3, 4) into the plane of the central fitting (2) and forms a stop element for limiting the pivoting movement, wherein the means for limiting the pivoting movement when the extended position is reached comprise at least one further stop element on at least one side fitting (3, 4) or on the central fitting (2) and at least one stop surface (16, 17) designed to correspond to the stop element(s) (14, 15) on the central fitting (2) or on at least one side fitting (3, 4), and wherein the means for limiting the pivoting movement when the extended position is reached comprise at least one stop pin (14, 15) as a stop element, wherein the at least one stop pin (14, 15) is arranged on one or both side fittings (3, 4) and comprises at least one stop surface (16, 17) on the central fitting (2) or vice versa, which stop surface is designed to correspond to the stop pin(s) (14, 15) and wherein at least one stop surface (16, 17) of the means for limiting the pivoting movement is formed on a bulge (18, 19) in a side fitting (3, 4) or in the central fitting (2), wherein the bulge (18, 19) at least partially receives the stop pin (14, 15) associated with the stop surface (16, 17) in the extended position.

2. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to claim 1, wherein the means for limiting the pivoting movement when the extended position is reached comprises means for holding the side fittings in the extended position.

3. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the contour of at least one bulge (18, 19) corresponds to the outer contour of an associated stop pin (14, 15).

4. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one bulge (18, 19) has an S-shaped contour having a concave portion and a convex portion.

5. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to claim 4, wherein a contour of at least one convex portion of a bulge (18, 19) is designed such that its distance from the axis of rotation between the side fitting (3, 4) and the central fitting (2) is selected to be less than the distance of the axis of rotation from the stop pin, in particular less than 20% less.

6. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for holding the side fittings (3, 4) in the extended position comprise a locking element (10, 10') which is resiliently deflectable transversely to the plane of the central fitting (2) and is designed to be deflected by the transverse wings (6, 7) when approaching the extended position and to engage behind the transverse wings (6, 7) in a spring-back manner when the extended position is reached, and wherein the hinged fitting (1, 1') comprises a handle (12, 12') for manual unlocking by deflecting the locking element (10, 10').

7. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the side fittings (3, 4) are pivotable, relative to the central fitting (2) in a plane parallel to the plane of the central fitting (2), into an extended position in which they and the central fitting (2) extend along a common straight line.

8. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to claim 6 or 6 and 7, wherein the locking element (10, 10') is arranged to be stationary relative to the central fitting (2).

9. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to either of the preceding claims 6 or 8, wherein the locking element (10, 10') comprises a handle which is accessible at least in the extended position.

10. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims 6 and 8 to 9, wherein the handle (12, 12') simultaneously forms a contact surface for the transverse wings (6, 7) or vice versa for deflection.

11. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims 6 and 8 to 10, wherein the locking element (10, 10') extends in its course away from the central fitting (2) initially in the plane of the central fitting (2) and then at an oblique angle thereto.

12. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims 6 and 8 to 11, wherein the locking element (10, 10') is a spring plate which comprises an elongate hole (13) designed to be suitable for enclosing the two transverse wings (6, 7) in the extended position when the spring plate springs back.

13. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to claim 12, wherein the spring plate is a separate component which is attached to the central fitting (2) and / or between the central fitting (2) and at least one side fitting (3, 4).

14. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for limiting the pivoting movement when the extended position is reached are formed by abutting transverse wings (6, 7) and / or by abutting engagement of the transverse wings (6, 7) in the locking element (10, 10').

15. Hinged fitting (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims 6 to 14, wherein the locking element (10, 10') comprises an elastic portion which allows a resilient deflection transverse to the plane of the central fitting (2) and is in particular designed at least in part as a loop (11).